[OOM: Out by the lake. Near the green house.]

[mnt_raph]

*Raph is outside enjoying the sunshine. He's begun to lay out the pieces for his motorcycle. Currently he's sitting on the ground tinkering with the motor, trying to figure out what makes it tick. There's an instruction manuel over off to the side. It's still in the original shrinkwrapping.*

Comments

[mnt_raph]

Solving world hunger.

*Raph looks up at his brother. Something's different. He's better. Raph doesn't ask. It's not his place.*

[mnt_mike]

"Wow. Who knew the anwer was axl grease the whole time. You're a genius!"

[mnt_raph]

Shh. That's how rumors get started.

[mnt_mike]

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

[mnt_raph]

I'm sleepin' better already.

*Raph turns and looks up at his brother.*

You know, if you're gonna loom you could at least stand over here an' block the sun. You know, be useful?

[mnt_mike]

That's Raph talk for Have a seat. So Mike sits.

"I kinda thought it'd be easier than this, you know?"

[mnt_raph]

What would?

[mnt_mike]

"Being human. They make it look so easy. That's all."

[mnt_raph]

That's what they say about alot of the crap we do. More of the same. Less of the more.

[mnt_mike]

"Yeah, I guess. But, well...I wasn't expecting it. And it sort of just jumped right out and bit me."

[mnt_raph]

They make repellant for that, you know.

[mnt_mike]

"Jealousy? Doubtful.
...
OH! Now that's an idea!"

[mnt_raph]

*Raph's shoulder's slump. Mike's ideas are dangerous.*

What do you got to be jealous of?

*Change the subject Raph, if you know what's good for you.*

[mnt_mike]

Mike isn't so deep in idea that he can't be easily distracted.

"Large and Mel kissed, and it shouldn't have been a problem, but it was. Indy says it's jealosy."

[mnt_raph]

Yeah, he tol' me he talked to you.

[mnt_mike]

"Who? Indy?"

[mnt_raph]

No. Large.

[mnt_mike]

"Wait. He told you?"

[mnt_raph]

He didn't seem to think it'd be a problem.

[mnt_mike]

"Well, it shouldn't have been, but that's not what I meant at all. He came to you with a problem? Raph, did you like, grow a heart when no one was looking?"

[mnt_raph]

Guess so. I haven't even hit him yet either. I think I've grown as a person.

[mnt_mike]

Mike reaches over and places a hand on Raph's forehead.

"Are you sick?
...
You're a pod person, aren't you? What've you done with Raph?"

[mnt_raph]

Screw you!

*He playfully bats Mike's hand away.*

You up for throwin' another round of Apple?

[mnt_mike]

"Not today, but thanks for that. It helped. I'm sorry I was all mopey and whiney and stuff."

[mnt_raph]

Mopey and whiney? You were just quiet like usual.

It was kinda nice actually.

...

You think if I told Large to kiss Xander you'd be quiet for a while? I could use the break.

[mnt_mike]

"That is both funny, mean, and strangely erotic. Thanks Raph."

[mnt_raph]

Oh man, I gotta learn to keep my big mouth shut.

[mnt_mike]

"Speaking of Andrew. Um...have you seen him today? It's just, well...he and Mel had a talk and I think he could be less than happy about. Well..."

[mnt_raph]

Breathin'?
That's just the way he is. He'll be fine.


...


You know, eventually.

[mnt_mike]

"That's the thing, I'm not talking about eventually. I'm talking about, now. Like today. Like...Would you just go and talk to him please?"

[mnt_raph]

What. Like now? Right now?

*Raph looks down at the engine.*

I'm in the middle of somethin' here.

[mnt_mike]

"Raph. Please? You're his friend. I'm just the jealous hypocrite who kept him from being able to make out with a really hot girl.
Pleasepleaspleaspleaseplease?"

[mnt_raph]

Oh yeah, and sendin' a babysitter up to check on him is totally gonna get you on his good graces.

[mnt_mike]

"I don't care about being in his good graces. I want to make sure he's okay. Raph the guy was really happy, and now he's not really happy. And it's my fault that he's not really happy anymore.

Please?"

[mnt_raph]

FINE! I'll go and check to make sure he hasn't drowned himself.

*He sighs*

I hate havin' to be the rational one.